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Satisfying the Primitive Archer

he needs of the primitive archer are simple. They work with simple hand Ttools making primitive bows, , stone points, and the like. So what kind of market is that? How can you make any money catering to these primitive types? Simple, know what they need and have it in stock. We’ve been servicing the traditional and primitive markets for twenty years now so we have a good feel for the subtle ebb and flow, and of which sectors in our markets are spik- ing. The primitive side of things is in the midst of a rapid growth cycle right now. To help you cash in on this opportunity, we’ll share what works well for us. Know which products are the best sellers, and which prod- ucts to always have on your shelves. By Dale This book by D.C. Waldorf is the one we always Karch & recommend dealers stock to help customers who Todd Smith want to learn the art of flintknapping points, spear points and knives.

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When it comes to perform some fiberglass-backed bows, there’s a gray line bows. The bamboo backed Osage between primitive and tra- bows made today can be incredible ditional. Most folks agree performers, and let’s not forget the that if a bow has no fiber- Hun-style bows, those marvels of glass, it’s a primitive bow. engineering that were casting arrows “Primitive”, in this case, has over 900 yards hundreds of years nothing to do with perfor- ago. mance. It’s a category. We For the bulk of the folks interest- clarify this because we ed in primitive archery, it’s an answer have seen some all-wood to an internal call. Something deep bows that could nearly out- inside that says, “This is the way my

Lumber from the Osage Orange tree (top left) is a favorite for primitive bow builders. It’s often backed with bamboo (left) to increase durability and perfo- mance. Simple draw knives like the one below are used for the rough shaping. The fine scraping and smooth- ing of the wood is typically done with a spokeshave like this Stanley model shown below the bamboo.

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skin, we lump them all into the self- bow category. Many also laminate different woods and non- fiberglass materials together in the construction of high-performance ‘primitive’ bows. These bows are far from primitive, yet since they have no fiberglass, they are included in this ‘primitive’ category. The ’s Bible series con- tains Volumes 1-3 and they are exact- ly as they sound “THE books for aspiring bowyers.” Published by Jim Hamm, these books were a com- bined effort by many talented bowyers from all over the world who shared their insights and techniques for bowbuilding. This series is a must have resource for any shop catering to the primitive archer. A The same bowyer who appears in the few other excellent bowbuilding video at left authored this book, which is books deserving of mention are: an excellent resource for those looking to “Billets to Bow”, by Glenn St Charles, build self-bows out of osage. This video details how to build bamboo a traditional archery legend, backed bows. “Hunting the Osage Bow” by Dean is very rewarding in many respects. Torges, “The Art of Making Primitive ancestors lived and I want to One that cannot be overlooked is the Bows and Arrows” by D.C. Waldorf, immerse myself in it.” Let’s face it, self-confidence that comes from and “Making Indian Bows and the more effort you put into some- knowing how to survive with basic Arrows” by Douglas Spotted Eagle. thing, the higher the return of per- tools and knowledge. It’s easy to see All of these books are worth carrying, sonal satisfaction as well as pride for why so many of us pursue primitive but if you intend to start small, at a a job well done. That’s why so many archery and other primitive living minimum, offer the Bowyer’s Bible people switch from compounds to skills. It’s natural, where we came series. recurves and in the first from. It’s in our genes. In bow building videos, several place. They want more challenge Leading the list in ‘must-have’ titles stand out. These include and satisfaction. Not only is master- items for those interested in primi- “Billets to Bow” by Glenn St Charles, ing the primitive arts challenging, it tive archery and living skills are how- and “Hunting the Bamboo Backed to books and videos. There is much Bow.” One of the best sellers of all to be learned, so naturally we turn to time in this category is, “Making a any and all available information Wood Bow” with Mark Keller. The resources. (Recommended titles will Keller video deals specifically with be mentioned in the body of the col- whitewood bowbuilding and does a umn.) The main “Primitive” cate- superb job in making the process gories of interest are: Self-bow build- easy to understand and accomplish. ing, making, flint knap- Go with the Keller video if you want ping, and primitive living & survival to start with just one. skills. Let’s briefly discuss each cate- gory. As we do, we’ll mention the Supplies for Bowbuilding

10 sizes, solid colors and a new Phase 3 best selling items in each category. When it comes to bow staves, Barred that's the most realistic ever! (quarter-splits from logs used to (Inquire at your distributor) Self-Bow Building make self-bows) we have found that This is a huge topic. Several it’s best to allow our customers to columns could be written about self- find their own. Quality staves are bows alone. The term “self-bow” is difficult to come by but, if you find generally accepted to include any someone locally, who can supply bow built from one solid piece of you with them, take advantage of the wood. However, since these bows situation and keep some around. can be backed with various materials Word will quickly get out and the such as sinew, rawhide, and snake- bowyers in your area will come out 94 Mar05AT92-100.qxp 2/9/2005 11:49 PM Page 95

of the woodwork. There is an excel- ing tools, and a video or DVD like worth the effort. Regardless of your lent market in Osage lumber and “Crafting the Flemish String” from choice, make sure to have plenty on bamboo backings too. The Osage is 3Rivers Archery and your customers hand. Some of our customers come pre-cut to bow sized dimensions, will be all set. (There is also an excel- in once or twice a month to stock up roughly 1 ½” x ¾” x 68”. Bamboo is lent chapter on in the with more “rocks”. We have found then prepared and glued onto the Traditional Bowyer’s Bible, Volume too that knappers like to sort back of the Osage. We sell quite a bit Two.) through what you have to get just the of both the Osage and the Bamboo. pieces they want. Keeping a bulk Make sure you always have the adhe- Flint knapping box full of flint or obsidian will allow sives on hand for these bowbuilding Flint knapping is one of the big them this option and they’ll shop techniques too. The EA-40 two-part draws in primitive archery. This art more often as a result. epoxy by Smooth-On is an excellent of crafting razor-sharp stone cutting choice because it can be used in tools is experiencing a strong growth Tools for flint knapping fiberglass-to-wood or wood-to- spurt right now. It’s understandable. There are two types of tools that wood applications as well. People are fascinated with knapped flint knappers must have, the pres- Many tools are used in bow- and knives. Live sure flaker and the knapping billet. building and you’ll want to keep demonstrations always draw big Here’s why. Pressure flaking and per- them in stock. The list of important crowds. No one seems to be able to cussion flaking are the two main tools includes; draw knives, spoke walk by a knapping demo without techniques used in flint knapping. shaves, cabinet scrapers, and rasps. stopping to check out this “magic”. If Pressure flaking is accomplished Most of the heavy work and rough you’ve ever watched one, you know with a special tool utilizing a handle shaping is done with draw knives. what we mean. Many flint-knappers with a small, pointed section of Spoke-shaves are used when a little do it for the pure pleasure of making either copper, aluminum, or steel more control and finesse is needed. something functional and beautiful, sticking out the front. The tool is Cabinet scrapers see a lot of use for by strategically removing flakes of brought in contact with the edge of final shaping and very fine detail material, one at a time, from a plain the piece and is first pressed straight work. Rasps and files, depending on old rock. We’d venture a guess that into the piece, then, when the knap- their coarseness, are used often and most knapped artifacts end up in per feels the inward pressure has during different stages of the con- display cases or used in jewelry, struction process. rather than on arrows destined for Once the bow is shaped, tested hunting. Still, there are those who and ready to go, it needs a protective hunt with them, and quite success- ‘finish’. None of the finishes are fully we might add. completely waterproof, but every lit- To supply the flint knapper you’ll tle bit helps. If moisture gets into the need a good source of flint. In some limbs of an all-wood bow, perfor- states, like Ohio, flint may be found mance will be dramatically reduced. quite readily in rock quarries and Our favorite finishes are Tru-Oil, (a even freshly plowed fields. Watch highly refined, boiled linseed oil) or out for quality if buying from a local a quality spray-polyurethane finish source. Ask to see some finished like those available from Min-Wax. pieces or even ask for some samples and give them to one of the knappers Handmade Bowstrings in your area to get their feedback. If Every bow needs a string. It has it’s good stuff, buy it. Shipping on always struck us as odd that so many flint is a bit high, so delivery to your people are willing to build a bow door is great! Normally though, from scratch, but then they balk at you’ll need to get it from a distribu- making their own strings. Most tor. In that case, if shopping for flint, primitive bowyers use the Flemish- look for the heat-treated kind. When twist style of bowstrings. Many of you heat-treat flint properly, you them still buy the strings too, but if enhance it’s “knap-ability”. In other you have the materials on-hand, as words, you’ll get a stone that easier well as the “how-to” information, to flake. you can convince the majority of the Obsidian is another material you primitive-technology folks to build should consider offering. It is really their own. Chances are you already volcanic glass, a super-hard, stock B-50 string material. It’s the extremely brittle stone that yields perfect string material for primitive beautiful points. It’s a bit more deli- bows. Stock Flemish string jigs, serv- cate to work with, but is certainly Circle 120 on Response Card 95 Mar05AT92-100.qxp 2/9/2005 11:49 PM Page 96

Copper tipped flakers such as this are used in pressure flaking. PHOTO BELOW: Antler billets are used for percussion flaking. Copper knapping sticks are used for per- cussion flaking.

This flint knapping kit has everything One product that sells year-in your customer needs to start knapping. and year-out is the “flint knapper’s by percussion and only switch to the kit”. This small box is a top seller and built up sufficiently and it’s time to pressure flaker for final shaping and contains everything a budding flint remove the flake, the pressure is sharpening. Percussion is like it knapper needs to get started. They changed to a downward angle until, sounds. You force the flakes off of make great gifts and for the person with a gratifying “snick”, the flake the stock by striking the piece with a who just wants to give flint knapping pops off. percussion flaking tool. These are a try, they’re perfect. What other Percussion flaking is used more made of moose antler, copper, brass, hobby can you get started in for for general shaping unless you are and even aluminum. The piece is around $25.00? pretty darn good. We know knappers held on your working pad, and you who can almost make an entire piece strike the edge of the piece repeated- Primitive living ly, constantly and survival skills turning the piece Primitive living and survival as the flakes are skills are another popular category removed. This is in the primitive arena. What if my a fast way to plane went down and I had to sur- remove a lot of vive in the wilderness? What would I material. do about food and water? Where Anyone interest- would I stay? What would I wear? ed in serious These are the kinds of questions that flint knapping are answered when you study primi- must be able to tive living and survival skills. Once Less fuzz,total stability,smaller diameter (1.2 size of 450 Plus) learn percussion you get a feel for the answers, it’s flaking. At least exciting to get in the woods and test Low creep,high durability,smaller diameter Dyneema one good book yourself. In time you feel totally and one good comfortable in the wilds because video are recom- you KNOW that you can take care of No creep, good arrow speed, highest strength mended. D.C. yourself. Waldorf’s fine For an archery shop, or a sport- Rugged, low creep, very durable “The Art of ing goods store, the best news is that Flintknapping” to service this niche market you Strong,low creep and stretch, is a good choice mostly need just good books and extra light smooth wax for a book. Both videos. One such book, “Primitive No matter what characteristics “Introduction to Wilderness Living and Survival you’re looking for in a bowstring Flintknapping”, Skills”, by John McPherson is excel- material, BCY has a product suited to your needs. by Bill Metcalf lent. It covers just about everything See our website 607 Middle Street and “More Flint you’d need to know to survive in the for our full range of Middletown, CT 06457 Knapping” by wilderness, including primitive bow bowstring and serving U.S.A. Norm Blaker are and arrow building, trap making and materials, or contact Phone 860-632-7115 us for a catalog. Fax 860-632-5775 good video setting, shelters, cordage, and cloth- e-mail: [email protected] • www.bcyfibers.com selections. ing. This particular book covers it all 96 Circle 21 on Response Card Mar05AT92-100.qxp 2/9/2005 11:49 PM Page 97

from a primitive angle too. If the Complete Book of Tanning Skins and everything you need to know for tan- interest is in tanning hides, there are Furs” is a good one as is the ning skins.) We understand that this books and DVD’s on the topic. “The “Deerskins to Buckskins” series. (It seems a bit “fringe” to archery comes in book or DVD and has enthusiasts, but we have found that

This is great starter video for would-be The Bowyer’s Bible series is the best resource for traditional bowbuilding there is. The flint-knappers. names on the cover include many great builders of traditional archery equipment.

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those who are making their own primitive bows and arrows really get into this topic and they can’t wait to fork over the cash when new titles become available. As we said, the primitive archer’s needs are simple. Simple but varied. By keeping key items on hand, like the “how-to” books, videos, and DVD’s, your new customers can build their knowledge. With the proper supplies and tools for bow- building and flint knapping on hand, to support their “habit”, you’ll create loyal, repeat customers who will grow with you as your primitive offerings grow. The world of primi- tive technology is fascinating, it’s a direct link to our past, and by learn- ing the skills involved we perpetuate the knowledge. Give it a try yourself. Read some of the books and watch the videos. Who knows, you may embark on your own primitive jour- For those interested in making leather, This book covers many of the crafts and this resource is available in both book and skills needed for living in the wilderness. ney? One thing is certain, primitive DVD. archery, flint knapping, and the demand for the related product offerings is here to stay. The ques- tion is “will you take advantage of the primitive archery opportunity?” Coming In The May Issue For more information contact: Comprehensive Trade Show Coverage from the Archery 3Rivers Archery, PO Box 517 Ashley IN 46705. You can call us at (260) Trade Association show in Indiana and the Kinsey’s Archery 587-9501, or send email to Dealer Show in Pennsylvania. No other magazine covers as [email protected], or check many exhibitors or provides the depth of coverage you’ll see us out on-line at 3riversarchery.com in ArrowTrade. That’s what you’d expect from the magazine ABOUT THE COLUMNISTS: A that packs more helpful editorial copy in every issue. former tool and die maker who is no stranger to precision work, Karch spent three years working full time as Plus: a bowyer before he and wife Sandie purchased 3Rivers Archery. Running Selling Hunting Blinds by Bill Winke the business has given him a unique Carbon Arrows for Traditional Archers perspective on the traditional side of the archery industry. Todd Smith lived Rainy Day Gear by Pat Meitin in Alaska for several years and trained under master fletcher John Dodge, Setting Fair Service Rates by John Kasun well known for making some of the Building Recreational Archery Sales finest cedar arrows every offered. From 1988 to now, Todd has been the Game Cameras & Monitors by Bob Robb "Right Hand Man" at the Ashley, Arrow Rest Installation Tips from Larry Wise Indiana distributor.

ADVERTISERS: Get on board with ArrowTrade by calling Matt Granger at (888) 796-2084.

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THE

EdgeBOW

Specifications: IBO Speed: 310 fps Let-Off: 75% Axle to Axle: 34” • Made In USA Brace Height: 7 5/8” • Lifetime Guarantee Cam: Magneto

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